Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093087122434729/episodes/16818792435882288028
[Hey, Taito. Would you like to play as a defensive midfielder?]
It was when I had just entered the first year of junior high school. The junior youth coach made that suggestion.
[Why… Are you saying that I’m not good enough?]
[No, everyone recognizes your skills. In a few years, you’ll probably get offers from top teams. But…]
The coach hesitated, took a breath, and then spoke.
[—The top midfielder… Having another playmaker dominate the game is outdated. You understand, right?]
[…Yes.]
That was one answer in modern soccer. It was the conclusion.
The development and spread of advanced tactics. As a result, the so-called “fantasy player”-centered soccer has died out.
Instead, the defensive position of the defensive midfielder has risen to prominence.
This is not limited to the professional world. It is also widely adopted in youth development programs like junior youth and youth teams.
[Still, Coach. I… don’t intend to become a defensive midfielder.]
Because I am who I am.
Because I aspire to it.
[—Hayami Ren. My aspiration, my goal, has always been there.]
Not Zidane, not Platini.
To win in that person’s place, in that role.
It wasn’t about becoming a professional; that was the reason Amagami Taito dedicated himself to soccer.
“Senpai. You’re sweating a lot.”
“…I guess so. It’s been a while since I’ve played a match, so it’s taking its toll on me.”
The usual empty classroom.
I enjoy the lunch box Shiramine made for me.
When we first met, the omelet rice she often made was delicious, but her cooking now is also very delicious.
“The next match. I think it’s against the first-year Red Team… right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Next is the semifinals.
The opponent is the first-year Red Team, which has advanced with overwhelming strength.
“Do you think you can win?”
“I’d like to say we can win with confidence, but it’ll be tougher than the first and second rounds.”
Amagami and Tokai. Those two are probably quite skilled even among first-year high school students.
“Well, whatever happens, happens. If we lose, we’ll just have to do what we did yesterday… No, scratch that.”
I was about to say, “Maybe I should ask for some comfort,” but it felt too embarrassing.
“What is it, senpai? I won’t know unless you tell me.”
Shiramine laughed as if in retaliation, then picked up a rolled omelet from her lunch box and offered it to me.
It was what is commonly referred to as “Aaahn.”
Guh. What a sharp counterattack. Even a top-class boxer wouldn’t be able to pull that off.
But that thought was short-lived.
“…Shiramine-san, your ears are bright red.”
“Huh! It’s just your imagination, Senpai.”
Apparently, Shiramine was quite embarrassed.
“It’s okay! Are you going to eat this or not?”
“Oh, I’ll eat it. I’ll enjoy it.”
“…You’re so naughty.”
Huh? What’s so naughty about it? If I asked that question, I probably wouldn’t be able to eat the rolled omelet in front of me, so I quietly opened my mouth.
“Here, open wide.”
“Ah, open wide.”
It was such a sweet moment. It was completely inappropriate for me.
I thought to myself, “I’m such a lucky guy,” as my lunch break passed.
Finally, the semifinals began.
The battlefield was the second field.
“Now, let’s begin the match between the second-year Green Team and the first-year Red Team.”
There was no wind, and although the temperature was higher than in the morning, it was still cool.
“Finally, Hayami-san. I get to fight you. If this weren’t just a game like the sports festival, I’d be so happy.”
Amagami said.
“I’m glad today is the sports festival. I don’t want to be your opponent for ninety minutes.”
“Haha, you’re so mature. Amagami, you’re the one who’s being pushed around right now.”
“Shut up, Tokai. This is my match.”
After rebuking Tokai’s flippant remark, Amagami reached out his hand.
A high-five before the game starts. It’s a common gesture in actual games.
“I’ll prove it today. I’m not just a lower-tier version of you.”
“…No one said that. Well, go easy on me.”
We turned around and took our positions.
Amagami’s position was top-down. Probably his most familiar spot.
As for me.
“Hayami, any changes to the strategy?”
“No. Let’s stick to the plan.”
“Got it!”
My position was behind the midfielder and in front of the defender.
—The position known as the defensive midfielder.
“Let’s shut them out, everyone.”
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